The National Research Council determined that the RTI process is the most effective way to meet the educational needs of all students.  The Louisiana RTI Task Force has developed guidelines for the Louisiana RTI Implementation Plan, and districts are to submit their plans and utilize local, state, and federal funds to support the RTI process. 

Louisiana’s guidelines follow a three-tiered process.  Universal screening occurs for all students three times a year to determine benchmark progress. Each tier has recommendations for additional instruction time and group size.  Tier 1 focuses on high quality core instruction characterized by program fidelity and differentiated instruction.  Tier 2 provides additional time for strategic support to students who continue to struggle in achieving benchmark success.  Tier 3 instruction includes intensive/individual support. For students in Tiers 2 and 3, more frequent progress monitoring occurs, with guidelines for changing the type of interventions.  The process is data-driven and requires skilled instructors and interventionists.